Lawmaker charged with abuse of Boy Scouts almost went to Albany

A Dutchess County legislator charged earlier this week with sexually abusing two teenage Boy Scouts tried to win a seat in the state Legislature this year -- and he almost won.

Michael Kelsey, R-Salt Point, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child charges after he was arrested the day before. He's been suspended from his position as an assistant Boy Scout leader, but hasn't resigned from the county Legislature.

Kelsey, 36, very nearly won a job in Albany last month, narrowly losing to incumbent Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, D-Hudson, by fewer than 1,000 votes.

The state Board of Elections certified the results earlier this week: Barrett took 18,242 votes, with Kelsey garnering 17,665.

State police said the victims' families reported the alleged sexual abuse, which happened in August during a Boy Scout hiking trip in St. Lawrence County, on Sunday.Kelsey, an attorney and former assistant Boy Scout master in Fishkill, was arrested on Monday. He pleaded not guilty, and was released after posting a $2,500 bail. He's due back in court on Feb. 9.State police said Kelsey was suspended from the Boy Scouts in October.